INDIANAPOLIS -- While the Milton Bradley talks have been the Cubs' focus of the winter meetings, they are also looking to shore up the bullpen with a veteran right-handed reliever.
The problem is the Cubs aren't looking to add a big salary, and they like the threesome of Carlos Marmol, John Grabow and Angel Guzman at the back end of the bullpen. That means the chances are they will bring in someone who had a down year or health problems, hoping he gets better.
Cubs sources said one of the free agents whose drawn their interest is J.J. Putz, the former Seattle closer who flopped last year with the Mets and eventually had elbow surgery.
The Mets declined an $8.6 million option on Putz, who went 1-4 with a 5.22 ERA in 29 1/3 innings. His best season was in 2007 with Seattle, when he converted 40 of 42 save opportunities and posted a 1.38 ERA.
Putz has drawn interest from a half dozen teams, despite the elbow problems and poor season in '09. He's likely to sign for a relatively modest salary with incentive bonuses, which is what the Cubs would do if they were able to sign him.
Putz would serve in basically the same role as Aaron Heilman, a sixth or seventh inning bridge from the starter to the set-up man. It's slim pickings for free agent relievers, and the Cubs aren't interested in bringing back LaTroy Hawkins or Bob Howry, two other veterans who fit that bill.
Thus far, the Cubs bullpen is very young except for Grabow, and rookie Esmailin Caridad figures to get a chance to win a spot in spring training.
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You'd think they would have learned after the Putz they signed last year.
This town is too cruel to have a closer named Putz on one of its teams. Baseball gods be merciful and save this poor soul.
We all know when the Cubs are interested in someone it really means they won't do anything about it and the player signs elsewhere.
Heath Bell yesterday, J.J. Putz today. What relief pitcher will the Cubs be linked to tomorrow? I say Chan Ho Park! Anyone else have a guess?